Adoption is defined as a "legal procedure which establishes the relationship of child and parent between persons who are not so related by nature. At the same time it terminates all such relationships between the child and its natural parents, if such relationship has not been previously terminated" (Leavy, 1954, p. 10). Almost anyone may be adopted. Generally children, often infants, are the subjects of adoption, but a majority of states permit the adoption of adults as well. If the person to be adopted is over a certain age, twelve or fourteen in most states, he or she must consent to the adoption (Farmer, 1968, p. 19). In any case, the natural parents of the child must consent to his or her adoption, unless they have been judicially deprived of custody or declared unfit.
The party wishing to adopt, or petitioner, must bring a petition of adoption before the proper state court. The petition must contain the consents of the necessary parties, as well as other information. …
